Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows

ABSTRACT

An applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to human keratin fibres, in eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a stem and, at the distal end, an applicator member having a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the stem has a rectilinear portion extending along a rectilinear longitudinal axis and curved portion extending along a curvilinear longitudinal axis, the distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and longitudinal axis of the stem curved portion, measured perpendicularly to the axis, increasing in the distal end direction of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the curved portion, and distance between the core longitudinal axis and longitudinal axis of the stem rectilinear portion, measured perpendicularly to the axis, decreasing by going away from the distal end of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the applicator member.

The present invention relates to applicators for applying a cosmetic,makeup or care, product to human keratin fibres, in particular theeyelashes and/or eyebrows, in particular mascara, and to packaging andapplication devices having a container containing the product to beapplied and the applicator.

In a manner known per se, these applicators have a stem and anapplicator member at the end thereof. The stem can extend along arectilinear or non-rectilinear longitudinal axis. The applicator membermay have a core that extends along a rectilinear or non-rectilinearlongitudinal axis, and may extend in line with the stem or form an elbowtherewith. These configurations provide the user with different holdsand possible uses, making it possible to vary the makeup effects.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,343,551 and application WO 99/22782 disclose applicatorsthat have an elbow between an applicator member and a stem extendingalong a rectilinear longitudinal axis.

Application. FR 2 738 466 describes an applicator having a curved stemand an applicator member extending along a rectilinear longitudinalaxis, in line with the curvature of the stem, or forming an elbowtherewith.

Applications FR 2 831 033 and JP 58 88912 disclose applicators having astem that extends along a longitudinal axis and a curved applicatormember.

Application WO 2010/125188 describes a mascara applicator comprising arectilinear stem and a rectilinear application member which does not lieon the same axis than the one of the stem, an oblique rectilinearportion bonding them.

There is a need to further improve applicators for applying a product tohuman keratin fibres, in order to improve the performance thereof andmore particularly to allow an effective hold and to provide an ergonomicapplicator, so as to encourage easy application of makeup and giving theuser various possible effects.

The invention aims to meet this objective and the subject thereof,according to one of its aspects, is an applicator for applying acosmetic, makeup or care, product to human keratin fibres, in particularthe eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a stem and, at the distal endthereof, an applicator member having a core that extends along alongitudinal axis,

wherein the stem has a rectilinear portion that extends along arectilinear longitudinal axis and a curved portion that extends along acurvilinear longitudinal axis,the distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion ofthe stem and the longitudinal axis of the curved portion of the stem,measured perpendicularly to said axis, increasing in the direction ofthe distal end of the stem, along at least a part of the length of thecurved portion,and the distance between the longitudinal axis of the core and thelongitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem, measuredperpendicularly to said axis, decreasing by going away from the distalend of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the applicatormember.

The stem is thus advantageously curved on the distal side in aparticular curvature direction with respect to said longitudinal axis ofthe rectilinear portion, the applicator member extending in an oppositedirection to this direction of curvature.

The stem can thus form an elbow at the point at which it is attached tothe applicator member. This elbow forms a clearance between the stem andthe applicator member, giving an ergonomic shape and an advantageousgeometry to the applicator. It is thus easy and intuitive to use it toapply the product.

The invention offers the user simple management of the makeup effect,since they can hold the applicator in various ways depending on theregion of application of the product. They can in particular reach theeyelashes situated at the external and internal corners of the eye,without being hampered by the stem coming into contact with their cheek,as with some known applicators.

The applicator according to the invention additionally allows verydifferent makeup application angles compared with known applicators.

Finally, the load of product on the applicator can also help in themaking up of the small eyelashes at the corner of the eye, since theapplication elements carried by the core at the proximal and distal endsof the applicator member can be wiped more that those situated mid-wayalong the applicator member.

The expression “longitudinal axis of an element” denotes the lineconnecting all of the centres of mass of the cross sections of theelement extending along said axis. The longitudinal axis may be acentral axis, or even an axis of symmetry for said element, inparticular when the latter has a circular cross section or a crosssection in the overall shape of a regular polygon. The longitudinal axismay be contained in a plane, which may be a plane of symmetry for someor even for all of the cross sections of said element.

Stem and Applicator Member

Preferably, the rectilinear portion of the stem extends along at leasthalf the length thereof, in particular along at least two thirds of thelength thereof.

The curved portion of the stem may extend along an arc of a circlehaving a constant radius of curvature. In one variant, the curvedportion of the stem extends along an arc of a circle with a variableradius of curvature.

The cross section of the curved portion of the stem may narrow, along atleast a part of the length thereof, in the direction of the distal endof the stem.

The distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion ofthe stem and the longitudinal axis of the curved portion of the stemadvantageously reaches a maximum at the point at which the applicatormember is attached to the stem. This maximum may be between 1.5 mm and5.5 mm, better still between 2.65 mm and 4.5 mm.

The distance between the longitudinal axis of the core and thelongitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem advantageouslypasses through a minimum at a point of the core that is situated at adistance from the proximal and distal ends thereof, in particularbetween one third and two thirds of the length of the core, and thenincreases preferably in the direction of the distal end of the core, inparticular until the maximum of the distance between the longitudinalaxis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and the longitudinal axis ofthe curved portion of the stem is reached.

The core of the applicator member advantageously extends along adifferent longitudinal axis from the longitudinal axis of therectilinear portion of the stem and from the longitudinal axis of thecurved portion of the stem.

In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the core of theapplicator member is curvilinear, extending in particular along at leasta part of its length along an arc of a circle having a constant radiusof curvature. In one variant, the longitudinal axis of the core of theapplicator member extends, along at least a part of its length, along anarc of a circle with a variable radius of curvature.

The user can position the recessed part of the applicator member towardsthe eye in order to apply the product to the eyelashes. The coreadvantageously extends along a longitudinal axis which forms, at atleast one point along its length, a non-zero angle with the longitudinalaxis of the rectilinear portion of the stem.

In one variant, the core of the applicator member extends along arectilinear longitudinal axis.

When the longitudinal axis of the core of the applicator member iscurvilinear, the ratio |R₁-R₂|/R₁ of the difference in absolute valuebetween the radius of curvature R₁ of the curved portion of the stem andthat R₂ of the core to the radius of curvature of the curved portion ofthe stem is between 0.1 and 3, better still between 0.2 and 1.6. Theradii of curvature of the curved portions of the stem and of the core ofthe applicator member are preferably substantially the same.

A tangent to the core of the applicator member may be parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem.

The angular offset between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinearportion of the stem and a straight line that passes on the one handthrough the distal end of the stem and on the other hand intersects thisaxis at the location at which the stem starts to curve, may be between5° and 55°, better still between 10° and 45°.

The distal end of the core and the distal end of the stem may besituated on one and the same straight line parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the rectilinear portion of the stem.

The core may extend on the same side of the longitudinal axis of therectilinear portion of the stem as the distal end of the stem.

The distal end of the core may be off-centre with respect to theproximal end of the stem.

Core and Application Elements

The applicator member advantageously has application elements that arecarried by the core and are disposed all around the latter in aplurality of longitudinal rows. The expression “application element”denotes an individualizable projecting element intended to come intoengagement with the human keratin fibres.

These application elements can be spikes, blades or arches.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the core of the applicatormember has a cross section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinalaxis, with a triangular overall shape. In variants, the core has a crosssection with a different shape, in particular a circular shape. Thelargest transverse dimension of the core may be between 1.6 mm and 5 mm.

The core may have three faces, a first face carrying at least onelongitudinal row of application elements, and second and third faceseach carrying at least one longitudinal row of application elements, inparticular two rows, the core carrying for example an additionallongitudinal row of application elements which is situated on a ridgebetween the second and third faces.

The axis of each longitudinal row is preferably parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the core.

The number of longitudinal rows may be even. There may be at least sixlongitudinal rows of application elements in total.

The first face of the core may carry at least two longitudinal outerrows of application elements enclosing a longitudinal central row ofapplication elements which is in particular offset axially with respectto said two outer rows. The expression “axially offset longitudinal row”should be understood as meaning that the application elements of thesame rank in the outer rows do not occupy the same position along thelongitudinal axis of the core as those in the central row.

The application elements in the two outer rows may be spikes having asemi-conical shape, and those in the central row may be spikes having apyramid shape.

The application elements on the second and third faces of the core andon the ridge between the latter may be spikes with a conical shape.

In one variant, the first face of the core carries a single longitudinalrow of application elements in the form of blades, each extending inparticular transversely to the longitudinal axis of the core.

These application elements in the form of blades may have reinforcementson their sides extending transversely with respect to the longitudinalaxis of the core.

In one variant, the core may carry application elements in the form ofblades that extend through more than half a turn about its longitudinalaxis, for example a complete turn, and form rings.

In variants, some or all of the application elements are spikes havingany other shape, in particular a cylindrical or tapered, frustoconicalor pyramid shape, in particular having a hexagonal base. In a furthervariant, some or all of the application elements are spikes that have,in front view, a non-symmetrical shape and an outwardly convex edge,narrow over at least a part of their height away from the core and havea width that decreases towards said convex edge.

The cross section of the application elements, in particular of thespikes, may have a substantially circular, semi-circular (referred to asa half moon), elliptical or semi-elliptical shape, or may also be, forexample, polygonal, in particular hexagonal.

At least one application element may be terminated by a rounded, inparticular hemispherical, free end, the radius of curvature of which maybe between 0.04 mm and 0.2 mm

The abovementioned spikes on the second and third faces of the core andon the ridge between the latter may be disposed around the longitudinalaxis of the core in circumferential rows of application elements, twoconsecutive circumferential rows along the longitudinal axis of the corebeing offset angularly by a non-zero angle, in particular equal to halfthe angular pitch between the application elements of a circumferentialrow.

The spacing between the application elements in the longitudinal rows onthe second and third faces and on the ridge between the latter may begreater than the spacing between the application elements in thelongitudinal rows on the first face, in particular twice as great. Theexpression “spacing between the application elements in a longitudinalrow” should be understood as meaning the spacing between two applicationelements of ranks n and n+1, measured along the longitudinal axis of therow, between the two respective median planes of the two applicationelements.

Within one and the same longitudinal row, the spacing between twoapplication elements, in particular two spikes, of ranks n and n+1, maybe between 0.25 mm and 3 mm, better still between 0.65 mm and 2.2 mm.

The disposition and the shape of the application elements along thefaces of the core of the applicator member provide the user withdifferent makeup effects depending on the faces used. The user can usethe first face to load the eyelashes with product, and the rest of theapplicator member to separate and curl the eyelashes.

At least one application element may extend from the core along anelongation axis locally perpendicular to the surface of the core at thepoint at which the application element is attached to the core.Preferably, the application elements each extend from the core along anelongation axis locally perpendicular to the surface of the core at thepoint at which the application elements are attached to the core. Thiselongation axis may be radial.

In a variant, the elongation axis of the application elements forms anangle other than 90° with the surface of the core at the point at whichthe application elements are attached to the core.

The height of the application elements may vary from one longitudinalrow to another. When the first face of the core carries at least twolongitudinal outer rows of application elements enclosing a longitudinalcentral row of application elements, the height of the applicationelements in the longitudinal rows on the first face may be greater thanthat of the application elements in the longitudinal rows on the secondand third faces and on the ridge between the latter. When the first faceof the core carries a single longitudinal row of application elements inthe form of blades, the height of these application elements is smallerthan that of the application elements in the longitudinal rows on thesecond and third faces and on the ridge between the latter. In onevariant, the application elements are all the same height from onelongitudinal row to another.

The height of at least one application element, better still eachapplication element or the majority of application elements, may bebetween 0.15 mm and 3.75 mm, better still between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm. Theexpression “height of an application element” denotes the distancemeasured along the elongation axis of the application element betweenits free end and its base by way of which it is attached to the core.

The height of the application elements may be constant along thelongitudinal axis of the core. In one variant, the height of theapplication elements varies, for example in a monotonous manner, alongthe longitudinal axis of the core. Within one longitudinal row, theheight of the application elements can decrease in the direction of thedistal end of the core, in particular along at least half the visiblelength of the applicator member.

The application elements may have a width of between 0.15 mm and 1.2 mm,better still between 0.35 mm and 0.85 mm. The expression “width of anapplication element” denotes the largest transverse dimension of theapplication element, in section, along the longitudinal axis of thecore.

When the first face of the core carries a single longitudinal row ofapplication elements in the form of blades, these application elementsmay have a length, measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis ofthe core, of between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, better still between 1 mm and 3.5mm.

The free ends of the application elements of the applicator memberdefine an envelope surface of the applicator member, which has forexample the overall shape of a crescent moon in side view.

The envelope surface of the applicator member may have a largesttransverse dimension that is substantially constant along at least apart of the length of the applicator member, in particular along morethan half the part of the core that carries the application elements.

The core and the application elements can be moulded from one and thesame material, or in a variant they can be made from at least twodifferent materials.

The core and/or the application elements are preferably made of athermoplastic material, in particular from an elastomeric thermoplasticmaterial.

In one variant, the applicator member is a brush with a twisted core. Inthis case, the core of the applicator member may have at least two armsof a wire that is folded on itself, said arms being twisted together,defining turns, and bristles can be held between the turns of the core.

Applicator

The stem may be fixed at a second end to a gripping member.

The applicator member may be moulded, being produced in particular bybi-injection-moulding or mono-injection-moulding with the stem.

The applicator member may be fixed to the stem by force-fitting, fittingin a cold state or fitting in a hot state, overmoulding, pressing,crimping, screw-fastening, in particular when the applicator member is abrush with a twisted core, the core preferably being inserted into apre-existing housing in the stem after it has been manufactured. Invariants, the applicator member is fixed to the stem by snap-fastening,adhesive bonding, welding, stapling, for example by an end piece of theapplicator member being mounted in a housing in the stem. In a furthervariant, the stem is received in a housing provided in the core.

The core of the applicator member may be solid, being for examplemoulded with an end piece for fixing to the stem of the applicator.

The application elements may be made of a material that is more or lessrigid than a material used to produce the stem of the applicator towhich the core is attached.

The stem may have a first, rigid portion that is extended on the distalside by a second, more flexible portion, for example made of elastomer,that carries the applicator member.

The visible length of the applicator member may be between 14 mm and 35mm, better still between 19 mm and 28 mm.

The applicator may have between 50 and 680 application elements, betterstill between 70 and 420 application elements.

Application Device

A further subject of the invention is a device for packaging andapplying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to human keratin fibres, inparticular the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an applicator accordingto the invention and a container containing the product to be applied.

The gripping member of the applicator may constitute a cap for closingthe container.

The container preferably has a wiping member suitable for wiping thestem and the applicator member, having a wiping lip.

The product is preferably a mascara.

The invention may be better understood from reading the followingdetailed description of a non-limiting implementation example thereof,and with reference to the attached drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial longitudinal section,of an exemplary packaging and application device produced in accordancewith the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the applicator member and thestem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,

FIG. 3 shows a perspective front view of the applicator member and thestem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,

FIG. 4 shows a perspective top view of the applicator member and thestem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,

FIG. 5 shows a perspective bottom view of the applicator member and thestem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,

FIG. 5A shows a detail of the applicator member from FIG. 5, and

FIG. 6 shows a perspective side view of a variant embodiment of anapplicator member according to the invention, on its own.

FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 produced in accordancewith the invention, having an applicator 2 and an associated container 3containing a product P to be applied to human keratin fibres, inparticular to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example mascara or acare product.

The container 3 has, in the example in question, a threaded neck 4 andthe applicator 2 has a closure cap 5 designed to be fixed on the neck 4so as to close the container 3 in a sealed manner when it is not in use,the closure cap 5 also forming a gripping member for the applicator 2.

The latter has a stem 7, which is attached at its proximal end 12 to theclosure cap 5 and, at its distal end 11, to an applicator member 8,having a core 10 that extends along a longitudinal axis X, which iscentral in the example described.

The container 3 also has a wiping member 6, inserted into the neck 4.

This wiping member 6, which may be of any suitable type, has, in theexample in question, a lip designed to wipe the stem 7 and theapplicator member 8 when the applicator 2 is withdrawn from thecontainer 3. The lip defines a wiping orifice 6 a having a diameteradapted to that of the stem 7. The wiping member 6 may be made ofelastomer. The wiping orifice 6 a has for example a circular shape.

In the example illustrated, the stem 7 has a circular cross section, butif the stem 7 has some other section, this does not depart from thescope of the present invention, it then being possible to fix the cap 5on the container 3 in some other way than by screwing, if necessary. Thewiping member 6 is adapted to the shape of the stem 7 and to that of theapplicator member 8, if appropriate.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the stem 7 has arectilinear portion 7 a that extends along a rectilinear longitudinalaxis Y along about two thirds of the length of the stem, and a curvedportion 7 b that extends along a curvilinear longitudinal axis Z.

As shown in particular in FIG. 2, the distance d_(t) between thelongitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7 a of the stem 7 and thelongitudinal axis Z of the curved portion 7 b of the stem 7, measuredperpendicularly to said axis Y, increases advantageously in thedirection of the distal end 11 of the stem 7, reaching a maximum D_(t)at the point at which the applicator member 8 is attached to the stem 7,in particular between 1.5 mm and 5.5 mm, better still between 2.65 mmand 4.5 mm.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the distance d_(o)between the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 of the applicator member8 and the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7 a of the stem7, measured perpendicularly to said axis Y, decreases by going away fromthe distal end 11 of the stem 7, along a part of the length of theapplicator member 8.

The stem 7 thus advantageously forms an elbow at its distal end 11.

Preferably, and as in the example described, the curved portion 7 b ofthe stem 7 extends along an arc of a circle having a constant radius ofcurvature R₁.

The cross section of the curved portion 7 b of the stem 7 narrowsadvantageously in the direction of the distal end 11 of the stem 7, ascan be seen in FIG. 2.

The longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7 a of the stem 7 maybe coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when theapplicator 2 is in position thereon.

If need be, the stem 7 may have an annular narrowing at its portion thatis positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member 6, so as not tomechanically stress the latter unduly during storage.

The applicator member 8 may be moulded, being produced for example bybi-injection-moulding or mono-injection-moulding with the stem 7.

The applicator member 8 may have an end piece 9 for fixing it in acorresponding housing of the stem 7.

The applicator member 8 may be fixed in this housing of the stem 7 byany means, and in particular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesivebonding, welding, stapling or crimping.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis Xof the core 10 of the applicator member 8 is curvilinear, as can be seenin FIG. 2, extending along an arc of a circle having a constant radiusof curvature R₂. The radii of curvature R₁ and R₂ of the curved portionof the stem and of the core of the applicator member are substantiallythe same in the example described.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis Xof the core 10 forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis Y.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the distance d_(o) between thelongitudinal axis X of the core 10 and the longitudinal axis Y of therectilinear portion 7 a of the stem 7 advantageously passes through aminimum D_(o) at a point of the core 10 that is situated at a distancefrom its proximal 14 and distal 13 ends, mid-way along its length in theexample in question, and then increases in the direction of the distalend 13 of the core 10, for example until the maximum D_(t) is reachedagain.

A tangent T to the core 10 of the applicator member 8 may be parallel tothe longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7 a of the stem 7, inparticular the tangent to the domed part 8 a of the applicator member 8when the latter is curved, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The angular offset γ between the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinearportion 7 a of the stem 7 and a straight line D that passes through thedistal end 11 of the stem 7 and this axis Y, at the location 7 c atwhich the stem 7 starts to curve, may be between 5° and 55°, betterstill between 10° and 45°.

The distal end 13 of the core 10 and the distal end 11 of the stem 7 aresituated, in the example described and as shown in FIG. 2, on a straightline D_(p) that is parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of therectilinear portion 7 a of the stem 7.

The core 10 may extend on the same side of the longitudinal axis Y asthe distal end 11 of the stem 7, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 13 of the core 10 may be off-centrewith respect to the proximal end 12 of the stem 7.

In the example in FIGS. 1 to 5A, the core 10 carries applicationelements in the form of spikes 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 extending from thecore 10 and all around the latter in a plurality of longitudinal rows.The axis of each longitudinal row of application elements is preferablyparallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

The visible length H of the applicator member 8 is for example equal to26.5 mm.

In the example illustrated, the application elements 18, 16, 15 and 19each extend from the core 10 along an elongation axis W perpendicular tothe surface of the core, at the point at which the application elementsare attached to the core 10.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 3, the core 10 of the applicatormember 8 has, in the example in question, a cross section, takenperpendicularly to its longitudinal axis X, with a triangular overallshape, the core 10 having three faces 21, 22, 23.

The first face 21 may carry three parallel longitudinal rows 31, 32, 33of application elements 16, 15, two longitudinal outer rows 31, 33 ofwhich enclose a longitudinal central row 32 which is offset axially withrespect to said two outer rows 31, 32, as can be seen particularly inFIG. 5.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second and third faces 22, 23 of the core10 may each carry two longitudinal rows 34, 35, 37, 38 of applicationelements 18, the core 10 carrying an additional longitudinal row 36 ofapplication elements 18 which is situated on a ridge 24 between thesecond and third faces 22, 23.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the application elements 18 on the second andthird faces 22, 23 of the core 10 and on the ridge 24 between the lattermay be disposed around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 incircumferential rows of application elements 18, two consecutivecircumferential rows 41, 42 along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10preferably being offset angularly by a non-zero angle, in particularequal to half the angular pitch between the application elements 18 of acircumferential row 41.

The application elements 18, 16 and 15 may have various shapes. In theexample in question, and as can be seen in particular in. FIGS. 4 and5A, the application elements 18 belonging to the second and third faces22, 23 and to the ridge 24 have a conical shape, the applicationelements 16 belonging to the outer rows 31, 33 on the first face 21 havea semi-conical shape, and the application elements 15 belonging to thecentral row 32 on the first face 21 have a pyramid shape.

The spacing S_(p1) between the application elements 18 in thelongitudinal rows on the second and third faces 22, 23 and on the ridge24 between the latter is greater, in the example in question, than thespacing S_(p2) between the application elements 16, 15 in thelongitudinal rows on the first face 21, in particular twice as great.

The height of the application elements 16, 15 in the longitudinal rows31, 32, 33 on the first face 21 is greater, in the example described,than that of the application elements 18 in the longitudinal rows 34,35, 36, 37, 38 on the second and third faces 22, 23 and on the ridge 24between the latter, as can be seen in. FIG. 3. In one variant that isnot illustrated, the application elements 18, 16 and 15 are all the sameheight from one longitudinal row to another.

In the example in question, the height of the application elements 18,16 and 15 is constant along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10,within each longitudinal row. In one variant that is not illustrated,the height of the application elements 18, 16 and 15 varies along thelongitudinal axis X of the core 10.

The height of the application elements 18, 16 and 15 may be between 0.5mm and 2.5 mm.

In the variant shown in FIG. 6, the first face 21 of the core 10 carriesa longitudinal row 39 of application elements 19 in the form of blades,each extending transversely to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

These application elements 19 have, in the example described,reinforcements 19 a on their sides extending transversely with respectto the longitudinal axis X.

The height of these application elements 19 it is advantageously lessthan that of the application elements 18 in the longitudinal rows 34,35, 36, 37, 38 on the second and third faces 22, 23 and on the ridge 24between the latter.

In the examples in question, the free ends 28 of the applicationelements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 define an envelope surface S of theapplicator member 8, having a longitudinal axis that is coincident withthe longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is not symmetrical about saidaxis X and has the overall shape of a crescent moon, in side view as inFIG. 2.

The application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 are made, in the examplein question, in one piece with the core 10 by moulding thermoplasticmaterial.

In order to mould the applicator member 8, use can be made of anythermoplastic material which is or is not relatively rigid, for exampleSEBS, a silicone, latex, a material having improved slip, butyl, EPDM, anitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester elastomer, a polyamideelastomer, a polyethylene elastomer or a vinyl elastomer, a polyolefinsuch as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, SEBS, SIS, PET, POM, PU, SAM, PA orPMMA. It is also possible to use a ceramic, for example based onalumina, a resin, for example of the urea-formaldehyde type, andpossibly a material containing graphite as filler. It is possible inparticular to use the materials known under the trade names Teflon®,Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixine®, Santoprene®, Pebax® and Pollobas®, thislist not being limiting.

In one variant that is not shown, the applicator member 8 is a brushwith a twisted core. In this case, the core 10 of the applicator member8 may have at least two arms of a wire that is folded on itself, saidarms being twisted together, defining turns, and bristles can be heldbetween the turns of the core 10.

In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure cap 5 andwithdraws the applicator member 8 from the container 3. The user can usethe first face 21 to load the eyelashes and/or eyebrows with product P,and the rest of the applicator member 8 to separate and curl theeyelashes and/or eyebrows. By virtue of the elbow that exists betweenthe stem 7 and the applicator member 8, the user can in particular reachthe eyelashes situated at the external and internal corners of the eye,without being hampered by the stem 7 touching their cheek.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodimentsthat have just been described.

The applicator member 8 may be able to vibrate, that is to say it ispossible to apply vibrations thereto during application, combing orpicking up of the product P, for example as described in application WO2006/090343.

In a further variant, the applicator member 8 may be heated, that is tosay have a heating element for heating the keratin fibres, the eyelashesand/or eyebrows, and/or the application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19and/or the core 10 of the applicator member 8.

The applicator member 8 may comprise any bactericidal agent such assilver salts, copper salts, preservatives and at least one preservativefor the product P.

The core 10 and/or the application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 may,furthermore, comprise particles, for example a filler, in particular acompound which is magnetic, bacteriostatic or absorbs moisture, or elsea compound intended to produce roughness on the surface of theapplication elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 or to help the eyelashesand/or eyebrows to slide on the application elements. At least one ofthe core 10 and an application element 18, 16, 15 or 19 may be flocked,or undergo any heat or mechanical treatment.

The expression “having a” should be understood as being synonymous with“comprising at least one”, and “between” is understood as including thelimits, unless specified to the contrary.

1.-19. (canceled)
 20. Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup orcare, product to human keratin fibres, in particular the eyelashesand/or eyebrows, having a stem and, at the distal end thereof, anapplicator member having a core that extends along a longitudinal axis,wherein the stem has a rectilinear portion that extends along arectilinear longitudinal axis and a curved portion that extends along acurvilinear longitudinal axis, the distance between the longitudinalaxis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and the longitudinal axis ofthe curved portion of the stem, measured perpendicularly to said axis,increasing in the direction of the distal end of the stem, along atleast a part of the length of the curved portion, and the distancebetween the longitudinal axis of the core and the longitudinal axis ofthe rectilinear portion of the stem, measured perpendicularly to saidaxis, decreasing by going away from the distal end of the stem, along atleast a part of the length of the applicator member.
 21. Applicatoraccording to claim 20, wherein the rectilinear portion of the stemextends along at least half the length thereof, in particular along atleast two thirds of the length thereof.
 22. Applicator according toclaim 20, wherein the curved portion of the stem extends along an arc ofa circle having a constant radius of curvature.
 23. Applicator accordingto claim 20, wherein the cross section of the curved portion of the stemnarrows, along at least a part of the length thereof, in the directionof the distal end of the stem.
 24. Applicator according to claim 20,wherein the distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinearportion of the stem and the longitudinal axis of the curved portion ofthe stem reaches a maximum at the point at which the applicator memberis attached to the stem, this maximum distance being in particularbetween 1.5 mm and 5.5 mm, better still between 2.65 mm and 4.5 mm. 25.Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the distance between thelongitudinal axis of the core and the longitudinal axis of therectilinear portion of the stem passes through a minimum at a point ofthe core that is situated at a distance from the proximal and distalends thereof, in particular between one third and two thirds of thelength of the core, and then preferably increases in the direction ofthe distal end of the core.
 26. Applicator according to claim 20,wherein the longitudinal axis of the core is curvilinear, extending inparticular along at least a part of its length along an arc of a circlehaving a constant radius of curvature.
 27. Applicator according to thepreceding claim, wherein the ratio of the difference in absolute valuebetween the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the stem andthat of the core to the radius of curvature of the curved portion of thestem is between 0.1 and 3, better still between 0.2 and 1.6. 28.Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the distal end of the core andthe distal end of the stem are situated on a straight line parallel tothe longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem. 29.Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the core extends on the sameside of the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem asthe distal end of the stem.
 30. Applicator according to claim 20,wherein the distal end of the core is off-centre with respect to theproximal end of the stem.
 31. Applicator according to claim 20, whereinthe applicator member has application elements that are carried by thecore and are disposed all around the latter in a plurality oflongitudinal rows.
 32. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein thecore of the applicator member has a cross section, taken perpendicularlyto its longitudinal axis, with a triangular overall shape. 33.Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the core has three faces, afirst face carrying at least one longitudinal row of applicationelements, and second and third faces each carrying at least onelongitudinal row of application elements, in particular two rows, thecore carrying in particular an additional longitudinal row ofapplication elements which is situated on a ridge between the second andthird faces.
 34. Applicator according to the preceding claim, whereinthe first face of the core carries two longitudinal outer rows ofapplication elements enclosing a longitudinal central row of applicationelements which is offset axially with respect to said two outer rows,the application elements in the two outer rows having in particular asemi-conical shape, and the application elements in the central rowhaving in particular a pyramid shape.
 35. Applicator according to claim20, wherein the first face of the core carries a longitudinal row ofapplication elements in the form of blades, each extending in particulartransversely to the longitudinal axis of the core.
 36. Applicatoraccording to claim 33, wherein the application elements on the secondand third faces of the core and on the ridge between the latter aredisposed around the longitudinal axis of the core in circumferentialrows of application elements, two consecutive circumferential rows alongthe longitudinal axis of the core being offset angularly by a non-zeroangle, in particular equal to half the angular pitch between theapplication elements of a circumferential row.
 37. Applicator accordingto claim 20, wherein the applicator member is moulded, being produced inparticular by bi-injection-moulding or mono-injection-moulding with thestem.
 38. Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic, makeup or care,product to human keratin fibres, in particular the eyelashes and/oreyebrows, having an applicator according to claim 20 and a containercontaining the product.